I was in Estes Park, CO yesterday with my family and stopped at an antique / coin / stamp / gun dealer on a whim. I came home with this 1787 New Jersey colonial cent. I'm no EAC expert, but I'm attributing this as a Maris-37J. The 37 observes is easy to see with the "goiter" below the horse's neck. The J reverse was a little more difficult, especially since the "M" is no longer clearly visible. However, I used the shape of the shield from the known reverses paired with the 37 obverse and found the one that has the same odd shape. The owner thought it was a "PluKibus" variety. However, even a cursory glance shows that to be damage near the rim in which the top of the R was smashed flat. The R still closes at the top; hence, it is not a K. Additionally, according to my book, the PluKibus reverse is never known to have been paired with the Maris-37 (goiter) obverse. The goiter is readily apparent even in this condition. How do you EAC experts feel I did?
No idea on the coin besides thinking that it's cool, but glad you got to visit Estes... so beautiful this time of year!!
Nice! My personal belief is you can never go wrong with a Colonial. I think it's a treat to have something so historical in a collection, and to think of how many hands the coin passed through, and all the transactions it took part of. Not to mention, there is a definite possibility that it was possessed at some point by someone significant in our country's birth. Congrats on a great addition in any condition!
37-J is a better variety, around R5 if I remember correctly. My first colonial was a NJ that I got 45 years ago so I am kind of partial to them.
